The Use of Vehicles for County Business policy, which covers the use of non-revenue county vehicles and employee-provided vehicles to conduct county business, was recently updated. Since county employees conduct business all over Washington state, one important change that came with this update is allowing vehicles to be driven outside of King County without prior authorization. However, other policies and department or division requirements still apply.

Employees who drive county vehicles must have a valid Washington state driver’s license and follow the King County Vehicle Driver’s Operating Manual. The manual covers how and when to use county vehicles, how and where to get fuel, and what to do in case of an accident or breakdown. Additionally, people who frequently drive a county vehicle or their own vehicle on county business need to complete a driver improvement course every three years administered by the Safety and Claims Management Office.

If you have questions or need more information about the policy on county vehicle use, contact Fleet Services Policy Manager Kimberly Cisson at Kimberly.cisson@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-8782.

King County’s Office of Equity, Racial and Social Justice has grant funds available for qualifying language access projects and programs. 

The goal of this funding is to assist departments with implementing their Language Access Plans and ensuring meaningful access for persons with disabilities or who speak languages other than English. Eligible proposals must address language access needs or gaps related to COVID-19 and its impacts.

Your department or agency is encouraged to apply! If you have an idea, reach out to your Language Access Liaison to discuss potential programs or projects that may be eligible for funding.

Your Language Access Liaison has access to the application and is briefed on eligibility requirements. Find your departmental Language Access Liaison.

Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis through Monday, March 13, 2023.

Examples of funded projects

The Community Health Services Division of Public Health

The Community Health Services Division of Public Health was awarded a grant to ensure language is not a barrier for patients in Public Health Clinics by providing video interpretation services. These remote services are available at the front desk, in the treatment room, the pharmacy, and during check out. English is not the preferred language for many patients accessing these clinics. COVID-19 exacerbated the need for language interpretation due to new regulations that prohibit clients from bringing any additional persons (family or friends who could serve as interpreters) to appointments.

The Department of Judicial Administration

The Department of Judicial Administration will increase customer service assistance for limited English proficient persons, including live virtual interpretation to those who speak ASL, to help alleviate stress and anxiety that customers face when accessing DJA services.  Due to COVID-19, DJA started offering many services virtually, but it has been difficult to properly assist limited English proficient customers efficiently with only telephone translation.  Funds will be used to provide tablets in customer service areas, which will connect visitors directly to a Language Line interpreter via Zoom. Having access to a live interpreter via video will decrease barriers and increase customer service and access to justice and Drug Court resources for King County residents.

Performance and Strategy

Performance and Strategy will use these funds to translate the Determinants of Equity (DoE) report into the top eight languages spoken in King County. The report is designed to identify recommended community indicators of equity and to assess the equity conditions across the County with the ultimate goal to be able to address disparities and barriers regarding access. Translation will allow more King County residents to understand the issues impacting their communities and access associated resources.

Questions?

Contact Cheryse Ishii, OERSJ’s Language Equity & Access Program Manager, at KClanguages@kingcounty.gov.

King County Executive Dow Constantine yesterday hosted a discussion with United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on the youth mental health crisis and policy resources for youth mental health at the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in Washington D.C.

“One of the challenges that we are facing is the increased mental health burden, the increased challenges, particularly for youth, after three years of this disruption. The impact on children and youth has been pronounced and is on top of challenges youth were already experiencing,” Executive Constantine said during the discussion. “As County leaders, we see the impact (on youth mental health) firsthand. You see it when it shows up in the criminal legal system; you see it when it shows up in public health, and in homelessness. You see it when it shows up in suicides.”

Executive Constantine concluded his remarks by thanking Dr. Murthy for his ongoing partnership. “Although a lot of us are doing things in our own jurisdictions, we can’t do it alone. Partnership is critical with state and federal governments and our partnership with you is very much appreciated.” You can watch the full discussion here.